It can help you boost mental health
Heading out to your nearby park on a bicycle will not just get your blood pumping, it is also a great way to get out of your head. Moreover, cycling outdoors will give you a dose of vitamin D and fresh air, both of which will help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
It can ward off age-related cognitive decline
Cycling can also improve your brain function. This is important for seniors because research shows that with age, the risk of cognitive degenerative disease increases. But cycling regularly can help curb those age-related risks of cognitive decline.
It is a low impact, low-stress exercise
When you cycle, your body will move in smooth motions, avoiding any undue stress on your joints. Just make sure that you move at a steady pace and don’t cycle too fast. Make it a routine, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the health benefits of cycling for years without harming your body.
It helps you with your weight management
Weight gain can be a big issue for the elderly, as we tend to be less active with age. This puts seniors at risk of such health problems as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Cycling is a great way to keep your body active and shed some of that extra weight you might have put on.
It helps slow down the aging process
As we grow older, we become less active. This speeds up the rate of muscle loss and results in faster aging. Studies show that cycling can increase your lifespan by reducing the risk of chronic disease.
It helps you improve balance, posture, and coordination
Cycling is the perfect exercise for improving balance, as it helps the isolation of the glute muscles and stabilizes the core. This will help seniors get up from the chair and stop them from falling over. Riding a bike regularly also allows your brain to respond quickly to changes in surroundings.
It helps to lessen the stress on the joints
Cycling is a wonderful low-impact form of exercise that places very little pressure on most joints, in comparison to activities like running or jogging, which are high-impact and can strain the joints. Cycling is ideal for seniors who suffer from weak knees and joint issues. Cycling allows for smooth regular movements that strengthen knee muscles without putting too much strain on the joint. And stronger knee muscles mean a lesser chance of injury.
It keeps your immune system young
Our immune system becomes more susceptible to infections as we get older. This primarily happens because the thymus – an organ that is crucial to the immune system and makes immune cells called T-cells – begins to shrink from the age of 20. However, cycling can rejuvenate the immune system, a study has found.
Cycling is an enjoyable way to stay healthy and in touch with the world around you. Senior bike riding is perfectly safe and has many health benefits, do consider your physical needs before you bring this activity into your daily routine.
If needed, choose bikes that are specially designed for seniors or people with physical limitations. Also, it’s very important to remember to take the proper precautions every time you go out on your bike. So, what are you waiting for? If the weather is in your favor, hop on your bike and go the distance. It beats the feeling of boredom that can come from repetitive workouts, too.
Just play it safe and use caution when necessary, especially on busy roads or during inclement weather.
Appreciate the satisfaction that comes from improving your fitness while having fun.
If you are experiencing chronic or acute knee pain, limited movement, or other knee and joint problems there are medical treatments that can help. Call me, Douglas J. Roger, M.D, at 1-760-416-4511.